Historic First Year as Hennepin County Chief Judge

<p>During the trial of Derek Chauvin, the world tuned in to watch what was unfolding in a Hennepin County courthouse. The presiding judge in Chauvin’s case was selected by the newly elected Chief Judge of Hennepin County Toddrick Barnette, a Black man - who made history as the first person of color to fill that position. He has worked both as a Hennepin County prosecutor and as a public defender. Tiffany Bui spoke with him about his first year as chief judge.</p><p><br></p><p>In a year of difficult decisions, Judge Barnette said his most difficult was to remain quiet after the death of George Floyd. “During social unrest, there were many folks who wanted a statement made,” he said. “I think it was important for us to remain neutral. </p><p><br></p><p>You see a community burning, and you see frustration, and you see anger. And that anger is at the justice system. The anger is not just with the police. … It was hard not to be able to address that.”</p><p><br></p><p>Barnette said in order to build trust with the community, the workforce needs to be more diverse across the Hennepin County court system. He called employees the biggest ambassadors.</p><p><br></p><p>“Me going out to the community only goes so far,” he said. “People are not just going to believe me because I'm a judge, but they will believe someone who works in our system who's a neighbor, or friend, or relative.”</p><p><br></p><p>After George Floyd was murdered, some protesters expressed doubt that Chauvin would even be found guilty. When asked how to bridge mistrust between the public and the legal system, Barnette said the court needs to better educate the media and the public about the legal process.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>TB: How have you worked to bridge the gap between the public and the justice system? What do you think has been accomplished and what do you think still needs work?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>“We have a group called the Hennepin County Disparity Reduction Justice Strategy Work Group. I know that's a long name. But  we're